Report by

NICK HALLISSEY

COMEDIAN Don Reid is doing everything but growing old gracefully.

The 56-year-old Winsford comic, a writing partner of Ken Dodd and long-time panto star, has agreed to help out at Age Concern's latest charity event, a glittering night of fashion.

"I'm getting nearer to being an older and wiser man myself - well less of the wise and more of the old - and so I thought it was about time I helped out in some way," said Don.

"I like to get involved in whatever charities I can, and local ones are all the better."

Don, who has recently returned from a summer tour of venues in Whitby, Scarborough and Llandudno, will compere the show at Sir John Deane's College in Northwich tomorrow (Thursday).

But it's a fashion show with a difference - using clothes from Age Concern shops.

The evening will include fancy dress ideas, general wear, casual wear and evening wear, and the second half will feature a display of costumes throughout the century, culminating in a fantastic outfit for the year 2000.

All the models are either staff or volunteers from Age Concern Cheshire, aged between 20 and 79.

Tickets are £5 each, which includes a glass of wine, and they're available from Age Concern on 01606 79405.

Don added: "I think they've come up with a really innovative idea to get some cash together.

"I'm pleased to be helping out before I start getting ready for the Christmas panto at Winsford Civic Hall. I'm playing Mother Goose.

"As I told them, I've been mothered before - but I've never been goosed."

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.